(CNN) - The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is the world's largest gathering of Muslims - the biggest annual gathering of humanity, period.

So it's no surprise that Middle East experts expect this year's pilgrimage, the first to happen since the Arab Spring began last year, to be different.

The pilgrimage, called the Hajj, happens in the same global neighborhood as countries that have been roiled by protests, revolutions and war over the last 11 months.

But there's uncertainty about exactly how this Hajj, which officially begins Friday, will be different.

Some experts are watching for potential flare-ups in Saudi Arabia, a country governed by an unelected royal family and where freedoms are limited. They note that ordinary Saudis will be rubbing shoulders with Arabs making pilgrimages from countries that have staged anti-government demonstrations and have unseated long-entrenched regimes.

"This idea of freedom and dignity is spreading like wildfire, and at a gathering like the Hajj it's conceivable that the electricity coming from these ideas will be picked up," says Akbar Ahmed, the chair of Islamic Studies at American University. "This is what scares the Saudi bureaucracy."

"There are thousands of pilgrims who want to topple the established order of the Saudi monarchy," he says.

But Ahmed and others say the Hajj's effects on the Arab Spring are just as likely to be much broader, as many pilgrims share notes on uprisings and overthrows before returning home to countries ruled by despots.

"This is a venue where you can come into contact with hundreds of thousands of people, so for people who are coming from these newly liberated lands, it is a bit much to ask to say absolutely nothing about it," says Kelly Pemberton, an assistant professor at The George Washington University who studies Islamic reform movements.

"Many people are going to see this (Arab Spring) as a sign of God's favor," she says.

At the same time, experts on the region note that the Hajj is a solemn religious event that is physically and spiritually demanding and that affords little time for politicking, raising doubts in some scholars' minds about the magnitude of a Hajj effect on the Arab Spring.

The Saudis haven't announced special security measures for this year's Hajj.

But the event, which draws roughly 2.5 million pilgrims, has long been managed with military precision, and scholars say the government there has been preparing for months for its first Arab Spring-era Hajj.

"They'll be on guard for a flashpoint moment or a riot, something that flares up and becomes something," says Ahmed, referring to Saudi security forces. "In Tunisia, one man set himself on fire and three months later the Egyptian president is toppled."

There has been political violence during the Hajj in the past, most notably in the 1980s, on the heels of the Islamic Revolution in Iran.

Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini's followers attempted to disrupt the pilgrimage throughout the '80s, though their plots were repeatedly quashed by Saudi security forces.

In 1987, however, Iranian pilgrims incited a riot that killed more than 400 people, according to globalsecuity.org, a stark illustration of the rift between Shiite-ruled Iran and Sunni dominated Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has not seen the kind of protests now roiling countries like Syria, Yemen and Bahrain, but people there lack many basic freedoms. Political participation is limited.

The Saudi government has been politically sensitive to its people since the outset of the Arab Spring, spending billions on domestic programs aimed at improving the lot of its citizenry.

And scholars say that Saudi Arabia has supported anti-government forces in some Arab countries, including rebels in Libya and protestors in Syria.

"I can't image anybody is going to show up in Mecca denouncing the royal family," says Juan Cole, a Middle East specialist at the University of Michigan. "A lot of people going to Hajj will be connected with the (Egypt-based) Muslim Brotherhood, which has longstanding good relations with the Saudis."

Some experts speculate that Saudi Arabia, which tightly controls the numbers of pilgrims allowed to attend Hajj from each country, is reducing its quotas from certain politically unstable countries to curb the influence of would-be revolutionaries.

The U.S. embassies in Egypt and Tunisia, two countries that have seen their governments overthrown this year, did not immediately reply to requests Thursday for statistics on slots for pilgrims granted by Saudi Arabia.

Some scholars say the governments of other Arab countries are likely to be reducing the number of pilgrims allowed to attend Hajj in Saudi Arabia this year.

"The leaders of Syria, Yemen, Iran and Saudi Arabia are somewhat worried about the Hajj providing a forum for people to trade ideas and strategies and coming home to pick up protests and really find the momentum to get things going," says Pemberton of George Washington University.

Since late last year, some Muslim religious happenings in the Arab world have become forums for anti-government activity.

In Egypt, Friday afternoon prayers - the most significant prayers of the week for Muslims - served as catalysts for the biggest anti-government demonstrations of the revolution.

When Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stepped down in Egypt, the announcement came on a Friday, hours after Egypt's Muslims had observed afternoon prayers.

In Libya, rebels reached a turning point in a six-month old civil during Ramadan of this year, when evening prayers at mosques helped ordinary people organize against Moammar Gadhafi's regime.

With Gadhafi dead, more Libyans may get to attend this year's Hajj than in years past. Other post-revolution Arab countries may send a more diverse mix of pilgrims.

"The biggest effect is the allocation of Hajj visas," said Asim Khwaja, a Harvard University professor specializing in international development. "Some countries did a lottery, some did rationing, and with the government changes, if countries were doing rationing in the past, you can imagine they were sending friends and officials."

"Now there may be a more egalitarian mix," Khwaja says. "This will be a more democratic Hajj for the Arab world."

soundoff(1,060 Responses)

Proud American

The same people hating on muslims here would've said the samething about Jews and the Irish a hundred years ago.

The ignorant are timeless.

November 4, 2011 at 2:00 pm |

ktown8

not quite since Irish and Jews didn't come to America with the preconceived notion to hate us and destroy us from within. Plus, I don't recall any Irish or Jewish terrorists trying to attack American b/c of our freedoms. Sorry.

November 4, 2011 at 2:12 pm |

aw

Did Jews fly airplanes into buildings and chop non-believer's heads off 100 years ago? If so then yes, you're probably right.

November 4, 2011 at 2:14 pm |

WhatWhatWhat?

I don't really get your post, because many of us are saying those same things today, since your list includes all the Abrahamic religions, judeisnt (the jews), christinsanity (the irish), and islame (the muslims). They're all kooky and whacked-out, so why wouldn't we talk smack about them and ridicule them?

November 4, 2011 at 2:16 pm |

Proud American

LOL nope. You provided no source, so any person who knows anything about academia will regard what you said at speculative assertions.

November 4, 2011 at 1:59 pm |

HAMMR

The Quran tells Muslims to slay the unbelievers wherever they find them (2:191), ya real peaceful. Sure it says stuff like that in the bible...difference is christians don't use it as a reason to do what they want against "infidels"

November 4, 2011 at 1:58 pm |

Proud American

No. That's like you quoting a random part of a medical textbook and saying that nicotene is healthy for your gum health.

Read the entire book in context, because anyone who has read the Koran (I have) will know that it is hard to make sense of it if you don't read it ALL.

The Bible says to kill all kinds of people for all kinds of minor sin.. Dont' think your crap don't stink. I does. More people have been killed in the name of Jesus.

November 4, 2011 at 2:06 pm |

Mitchell Garcia

except of course using it to justify 400 years of oppression and genocide in the Americas. Why do all US christians ignore the fact that they live on stolen land?

November 4, 2011 at 2:07 pm |

nino

context you dumb brainless baboon.

November 4, 2011 at 2:10 pm |

Ray

the bible doesn't tell us we will be rewarded with 100 virgins... fact is...ANYWHERE in the world you go. if there is a terrorism attack, it is done by peace loving moslems

November 4, 2011 at 2:12 pm |

HAMMR

@Proud American think of a better analogy like say..."thats like picking a random quote from a health text book that says "never drink water cause its bad for you" Problem is the Koran does say those thinks many of them, health text book doesen't.

November 4, 2011 at 2:12 pm |

ktown8

okay8 ProudAmerican, please quote us the passage directly and explain it for us petty individuals

November 4, 2011 at 2:13 pm |

HAMMR

@Mitchell Garcia we know that, we know that it was wrong, we can't fix that, but we are not doing that in the 21st century..thats the difference, "America" is not using its citizens in suicide attacks on it own people....get it

November 4, 2011 at 2:15 pm |

Magus07

too bad thats not what is says, another example of an idiot making stuff up about something. It doesn't say anywhere in the quran to slay unbelievers just because they are unbelievers, it says to treat them with respect and respect whatever they believe in. man people are so stupid and ignorant these days, maybe a minority of Muslims who act violently make you believe that, but those guys are a very small fraction of the whole Muslim population. Not to mention they misinterpret the meaning of the quran and twist it to their own beliefs. The verse you referenced talks about how Muslims should defend themselves when being attacked by others, telling them to fight back. common logic, if someone else is attacking you, you fight back or lose. It says not to initiate a war with others, only fight when you are being attacked without reason.

November 4, 2011 at 2:15 pm |

HAMMR

@Thomas Horan I know that, be VERY few christians do that NOW. Certainly not any i can think of in the US. Maybe an occational right to life whaco. This passage is TAKEN SERIOUSELY by millions of musilims TODAY!

November 4, 2011 at 2:18 pm |

HAMMR

@Magus07 2:190-194 Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not transgressors. And kill them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for persecution and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, kill them. Such is the reward of those who reject faith.

November 4, 2011 at 2:21 pm |

Justin Case

Hammr... the Bible tells us its a mortal sin to work on the Sabbath. (The Ten Commandments)

Yet hundreds of millions of people call themselves Christians and yet work on the Sabbath.

Give people credit for not being totally stupid when reading ancients texts.... even ones inspired or written by the divine.

Common sense does still apply most of the time.

November 4, 2011 at 2:24 pm |

dan

@Mitchell Garcia
Survival of the fittest, it can be a harsh lesson sometimes.

November 4, 2011 at 2:24 pm |

LightINF

@Mitchell Garcia. – Why do we ignore the fact that we (Americans) live on stolen land? Because that happened so long ago that it has become a non-point. Do you see Americans stealing land in the present day? Now, do you see Muslims killing people using their religious beliefs as the reason in current times? Yes.
So I will make you this deal....I will give you, Mr. Garcia, my 600 acres in Texas if you can get the Muslims to stop killing the infidels.

November 4, 2011 at 2:30 pm |

HAMMR

@LightINF NICE! said in a sentance what I have been trying to say for the last 20 min. That is exactly the difference.

November 4, 2011 at 2:40 pm |

Akhan

I am a Muslim and I was born in America. I am educated. I am a taxpayer. I love my wife and my family. I work for a nonprofit, and I am dedicated to improving my community. I am accepting of others and I believe in love and selflessness. My beliefs and guidance come from the Quran and from the virtues of Islam. Stop stereotyping Muslims please. If you want to fight hatred and violence – fight the hatred and violence our government (chosen by the people) commits everyday. Do that, and I gurantee you that the hate from the Islamic world will go away.

November 4, 2011 at 1:57 pm |

HAMMR

The Quran tells Muslims to slay the unbelievers wherever they find them (2:191), I guess you are a Muslim who knows which passages are ok and which are not in the koran....now go out and teach the 100dreds of millions that do no know how to do this.

November 4, 2011 at 2:00 pm |

Ray

the only way that hate from the islamic world will go away is if the US becomes a moslem country under sharia law. otherwise, this hateful and violent religion will continue its tirade in the entire world

November 4, 2011 at 2:01 pm |

HAMMR

Religion, all religion uses God, the ultimate power, untouchable, allfearful to control the behavior of men. Religion is designed and manufactured by man....you then believe in an outline of behavior manufactured by ...you guessed it man. Ever wonder where zues and apollo are after 1000's of years of being believed in? Think for yourself.

I do think for myself. I also read for myself. Read the Quran and understand its meaning. I could send quotes all day long which reflect the peaceful nature of God and Islam. However, if your mind and heart are closed -there is not much use. I don't know, nor have I ever met a single Muslim who wants Sharia Law, do you? I suggest you get your information from somewhere besides mainstream media (psssst, the media has an agenda, connect the dots).

November 4, 2011 at 2:07 pm |

Akhan

@leelanau
Before the Gulf War, what did Muslims ever do to the United States or the west? Before the creation of the state of Israel? Anything? I can't really think of anything. If we look at history, I think it will tell us that the US has been meddling in the Middle East for the past 75 years with warfare, exploitataion, murder, espionage – the list goes on and on. All I am saying is rather than hating Muslims, maybe you should put your energy to ending this kind of activity within your own government – sounds a little more useful.

November 4, 2011 at 2:11 pm |

dawn

People will never understand that there are evil people in every large group of humans, whether it be a religious group or whatever & it doesn't make the religion evil. No group is safe from crazy people. In fact I'm sure that we see more in religions because the crazies deem it a good place to justify themselves or to just hide out and fester until everyone else is infected with their disease.

November 4, 2011 at 2:14 pm |

iknow

Respect Akhan. Well you have to understand that most of these people are brainwashed by media. The media is the source that spreading the hate among the people. They know only those things that the CNN of other media source post and nothing beyond that. It is sad that big number of these comments are against muslims and i bet it is good for politics.

November 4, 2011 at 2:17 pm |

godhatesmuslims

it should be a crime to bring a child to a mosque , to make a child bow to a childmolester

November 4, 2011 at 2:23 pm |

HAMMR

@Akhan "Read the Quran and understand its meaning" And are you the authority that will teach me its meaning? Or should I have turned to someone like Binladen? Jerry Faldwell is crazy....but he does not initiate suicide bombings. If the Koran were so straight forward and there were no variances of interpretation than we wouldn't have these problem now would we.

November 4, 2011 at 2:24 pm |

HAMMR

@iknow don't even begin to say "CNN made me hate musilims" I don't hate "musilims" They are people. It is tragic that a book, clearly written by man, like the bible in its dark days of literal interpretation, can lead to such destruction. If binladen had never read a koran, and interpreted it like that the US would not have 500, 000 troops in the middle east...its that simple.

November 4, 2011 at 2:28 pm |

godhatesmuslims

Stop stereotyping Muslims

Suicide bombing has become the archetype of Muslim violence — not just to Westerners but also to Muslims themselves

Muslims has come into disrepute around the world as the breeding ground of extremism and terrorism in the name of Islam.

November 4, 2011 at 2:30 pm |

HAMMR

@Akhan It is not what they did to the US...its what certain interpretations of the koran does to its own people. Don't even begin to say women are treated well under "islamic law" What for their own good you'll probly say, they cover up can't drive in many countries, can't go to school, thats crap. THEY ARE PEOPLE, and have a right to make their own choices, bad or good, let God decide after death if they lived a good life, not some cleric? He has no right to didctate what God is thinking. HE IS NOT GOD.

November 4, 2011 at 2:33 pm |

HAMMR

@godhatesmuslims "Muslims has come into disrepute around the world as the breeding ground of extremism and terrorism in the name of Islam" ya ah thats the problem. And by the way don't tell me what god hates or doesen't hate, you ain't his friend, you don't know him and you never had that discussion with Him.

November 4, 2011 at 2:36 pm |

John Gabriel

Why don't all the republicans visit Mecca this year and see their fundamentalist reflections? Who knows, maybe the world will get lucky and there'll be an earthquake in Mecca of magnitude 10.5 on the Richter scale once they are all there...

I have an idea, I hope the whole world throws religion away and trust in themselves.

November 4, 2011 at 2:02 pm |

azezel

The religious right of the islamic world has alot in common with the religious right of every other region. Only difference is where the taxes go. If the cultural conservatives continue to bicker then the darker sides of the singularity may come true. The natural way to run a human state is by enshrining the family unit. A well portioned military that develops those coming of age in skills that build the economy. State projects that facilitate development, industry, trade, extraction and continual expansion of the human sphere. An infinite growth/potential paradigm that demands continual upshifts in all points of the human star.

November 4, 2011 at 1:56 pm |

Sam

Hey guys,

If you don't like Islam, if you not like the people who belief in this religion, so why bother and come here and put your comments?

Is it maybe cause you call yourself religious and you never saw a church from inside? Is it some jealousy involved?

Please keep your comments professional and have some manner even other people don't see you.

Respect is the begin of every good and hate is the start of evil.

November 4, 2011 at 1:55 pm |

Hate vs Respect

must be a lot of hate in islam to account for all the evil deeds done in its name around the world

November 4, 2011 at 1:58 pm |

Wanderer

This is America, we mess with all groups especially ones that consider a vindictive, misogynistic, mass-murdering, thieving pedophile to be a prophet.

November 4, 2011 at 2:02 pm |

jtnc85

I'm American and I love my country, but some people here think they know so much when they're completely ignorant about the world, especially the Eastern world. It really is sad when they can go do real research and learn about the world on their computer instead of posting degrading insults on cnn articles that don't even apply to the specific situation.

You can see the intellectual level of these bloggers. Their hearts and minds are full of hate against Islam. There is no point arguing with the narrow minded people.

November 4, 2011 at 4:53 pm |

bubba

if there were 2 sides to the world..1 where there was all different religions and governments controlled by corrupt people....or the other side where people just lived together in peace with no religions or governments directing them..which side would you choose??

November 4, 2011 at 1:53 pm |

Proud American

The middle.

November 4, 2011 at 1:55 pm |

thetruth

Peter I bet you can't say drone, I am not a muslim but I am pretty sure you just insulted billions of people with your disgusting thoughts, keep it to your self you sick .........

November 4, 2011 at 1:52 pm |

bagger

muslims are nutty, but far less crazy and violent than christians.

November 4, 2011 at 1:51 pm |

Ray

yes, Christians have public picnic beheadings and fly planes into buildings all the time right.....

November 4, 2011 at 1:54 pm |

ABD

Ok we muslims don't love one another and don't love anyone else, just for the sake of argument, can't you guys see the hate that is dripping from your mouths ....... how can you sleep with all this hate

November 4, 2011 at 1:51 pm |

Ray

not nearly as much hate as those who strap bombs on themselves and go on a bus or fly planes into buildings...THAT is hate.

November 4, 2011 at 1:53 pm |

bagger

Ray, but yet it is the majority of christian responses in here that suggest mass murder of innocent worshipers during their pilgrimage? Christians are predictably violent and crazy.

November 4, 2011 at 1:55 pm |

Ray

bagger..the difference is that christians will talk about it. Moslems will DO it. if you look anywhere in the world, if there is an act of terrorism. it is committed by moslems

November 4, 2011 at 1:57 pm |

Allah

Somebody should just open the mysterious black box they all walk around, and just get it over with.

November 4, 2011 at 1:50 pm |

Proud American

It already is opened regularly. They're not worshipping the box.

November 4, 2011 at 1:51 pm |

Ray

they are worshipping a black rock, probably a meteorite.

November 4, 2011 at 1:55 pm |

jkv372

They are not worshiping the Kabba or the rock. Its it just a direction of prayer to unify everyone. All praying the same way same direction worshiping god.

November 4, 2011 at 3:35 pm |

Skipper

Except the conditions in all the "liberated" lands has gone from "crappy" to "crappy". As long as the Arab world continues to embrace the idea of Shira law, they will be without freedom. Currently, the culture itself breeds authoritarianism.

November 4, 2011 at 1:50 pm |

Proud American

Much too early to judge that. Tunisia is improving, Egypt is yet to see, Libya is yet to be determined as well.

November 4, 2011 at 1:52 pm |

Ray

islam is peace?? do you tell that to people who you behead in front of cheering crowds? do you tell that to women who you beat if you think they are not covered? WHERE are your mullahs when it comes to condemning terrorism....they are MUTE. This religion was BORN in violence when Gabriel beat your prophet until he wrote your Koran and it thrives in violence

November 4, 2011 at 1:48 pm |

JF

Well said, Ray.

November 4, 2011 at 1:50 pm |

Akhan

Hate to say it bro, but in reality America has committed more violence than Islam has (maybe in its entire history). So if we are going truthful here, couldn't we just define everything by violence? Including the US, Europe, Africa, Christianity.....

November 4, 2011 at 1:51 pm |

Justin Case

Humanity is by nature and evolution a violent species... that is a big part of the reason we have come to dominate this planet.

November 4, 2011 at 1:55 pm |

quilvio

@Akhan, you should hate to say it because it's not true. There have been over 18,000 Muslim terrorist attacks since 9/11, on average 2 o3 a day around the globe.

November 4, 2011 at 2:00 pm |

RCnelson

2.5 Million in one spot, what a great place to spray a little Eboli or a lot of Ricin, although I do Like the 10 Megaton idea also...

November 4, 2011 at 1:48 pm |

bagger

you openly suggest mass murder. I think christians are far more crazy, violent, and capable of genocide.

November 4, 2011 at 1:53 pm |

WOW

what a terroristic idea RCnelson!

November 4, 2011 at 2:33 pm |

Father O'blivion

Oh me sons and daughters, I have read through your posts and am mighty dissapointed indeed. There be no need for such hatred and intolerance. Sure it is a might smelly and the bird flu will most likely become a true pandemic soon. But our brothers and sisters at the Hajj are gathered in peace. And if they are there, they are not here. So even those who are most ignorant among ya have nothing to fear today. So drink up and spread the word of peace and harmony. God Bless ya then.

November 4, 2011 at 1:45 pm |

HAMMR

shuttt tha phukk upp

November 4, 2011 at 1:53 pm |

Father O'blivion

Well then hammr, perhaps you are ready to give the good father your confession then? Somthin' tells me you are not the fine fellow you seem to think you are! Bless ya child.

November 4, 2011 at 2:03 pm |

Proud American

The comments here are sickening. But what else can you expect from trailer trash who have no work to do during the day?

November 4, 2011 at 1:45 pm |

Justin Case

that must include you.

November 4, 2011 at 1:54 pm |

Justin Case

Abdul: "Hajj is one the five pillars of Islam. It transcends all colors, race, and ethnicities."

So as a white christian can I join you in Mecca to experience this blessed event too?

November 4, 2011 at 1:44 pm |

Proud American

What part of "race, ethnicities, color" is religion involved with?

November 4, 2011 at 1:46 pm |

Akhan

You worship God's messenger, which is forbidden. Islam is not about being PC when it comes to faith, it is defined by the belief in the oneness of God.

November 4, 2011 at 1:46 pm |

Justin Case

so, its okay to exclude people from a place based on their religion?

Cool... I should tell the airlines that. =/

As for worshipping God's "messenger".... if you don't want me judging you and your religion... don't judge mine.

November 4, 2011 at 1:52 pm |

Proud American

Justin Case, are OPEN scientologists allowed to go to Mass at the vatican?

I don't think so.

November 4, 2011 at 1:57 pm |

Justin Case

Not sure on the "Scientology thing"... we'll have to ask Tom Cruise that.

I don't know about the mass.... that's a religious ceremony.... not sure how the Vatican authorities handle that,

But just visiting the Vatican is another... my Mom is openly Jewish, wearing the Star of David and she was allowed to go into St. Peter's Basilica. My sister-in-law is Muslim (born in Lebanon) and she TOO was allowed into the Vatican and into St. Peters.

November 4, 2011 at 2:07 pm |

HNZ

@Justin – You are very welcome to visit Mecca. Islam does not bar people from other faiths to enter Mecca. The restriction is imposed by the Saudis and has nothing to do with Islam. All mosques in USA and rest of the world always welcome non-Muslims.

November 4, 2011 at 5:09 pm |

Optimistic

It is sad to see all the unfounded negative comments. Dirty comments does not make people follow your religion as it is not a good example and I am sure it is not promoted by any of Gods lelgions. It only exposes your sick mind. For those who seek the truth, you can search the net and learn or visit a mosque near you.

November 4, 2011 at 1:44 pm |

Ray

and if you're a woman, stay home...

November 4, 2011 at 1:46 pm |

Optimistic

This is not true. My wife is a teach and I have to sisters who happen to be teachers as well. A relative in boston is a dentist. A friend in Portland is a dentist. Woman comepte in college and higher education just like men. You need to get you facts straight.

November 4, 2011 at 1:51 pm |

Justin Case

Visit a mosque... but don't visit Mecca.... we're not welcome.

November 4, 2011 at 1:53 pm |

Me

And what should we look for on the net?

Islamic teachings which DEMAND unbelievers to killed? Maybe some historical references to the 1000+ years of Muslims murdering every non-Islamic people they've ever come in contact with? Or maybe some current events.. with Muslims still trying to murder everything in sight?

The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.